Daves Attic
Windows Update Causes Disk (SSD) Corruption! Watch Before Installing | Shop Talk EP 48
updated
Physics Girl: Shoutout to Diana Cowan’s mirror video.
Light Speed: Headlights work, but time dilation shifts perception.
Philosophy Teaser: Half-distance-to-wall paradox.
Commodore Printers: Likely just logic, not smart systems.
Windows Handles: OS references; millions signal leaks.
Full-Height Drives: New term, tied to VAX formatting.
RISC-V: Dave’s uninterested due to performance.
Windows Porting: Easy to RISC-V, historically portable.
Interviews: More planned, maybe Bill Gates.
Dave’s Start: TRS-80 to Microsoft via emails.
Task Manager: Ctrl-Shift-Esc, hidden admin shell.
Windows Milestones: 1, 3.1, 95, NT4, XP, 11.
ESP32 Setup: Flash Hello World via USB.
OS Learning: Study Minix textbook.
Windows Kernel: Manages hardware in privileged mode.
32 vs. 64-bit: 64-bit handles more memory.
Career Tip: Specialize to outpace AI.
Favorite Tech: iPhone, watch, Thunderbolt hub.
Newton: Top pick for his genius feats.
- Elon Musk's Family Background
- The Millionth Customer Barbecue Incident
- Decoding "LPT"
- Git Usage Preferences
- Computing History: Commodore 64 and 1541 Floppy Drive
- ESP8266 Evolution
- Real-Time Systems Programming
- Task Manager Priority Behavior
- Handling Incorrect Information in Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Quantum Computing and Qubits
- Advice on Working for Startups
- Viewer Interest in Shop Tours
- Podcast’s Relaxed Atmosphere
- Encouraging Viewer Engagement
- Saskatchewan Connections
- Cotillion Confusion
- Hard Drive Setup for PDP-11s
- Tonto and Lone Ranger Joke
- Subscription Pitch
"What is the firing order on my 351 Windsor and my '69 Mustangs?"
"What do you know about quantum computers—and how do qubits really work?"
"Do you actually know all the Git/CLI commands, or is that just a myth?"
"Have you ever seen Uncle Bob (Robert Martin) refactor code—and could you show us how?"
"Can you create a video using Wireshark to check if DeepSeek phones home, and what about LLM accuracy?"
"Would a Dave’s Garage stubby cooler be as epic in real life as it sounds?"
"Why does a disk drive have an odd number of heads—is one dedicated as a servo platter?"
"Other than eBay, what are your secret sources for PDP parts?"
"What happened to the Porsche 959 Bill Gates?"
"Can you have C++ without C—and what does that say about programming’s roots?"
"How do you distill a massive AI model into a smaller, niche one—and when will we see them?"
"Does Microsoft still support legacy OS’s like Windows 1, 2, 3, or even 9?"
"What are the coolest, most practical use cases for AI from your super dev perspective?"
"Is it possible to build an offline AI system on a Jetson or Nano for Windows tech support?"
"What’s your take on the new ESP32P4 chip—will it light up more LEDs than ever?"
"How should computer science professors adapt to better prepare students for real-world tech?"
"What do you really think about voice assistants like Siri and Alexa—are they any good?"
"Can you feed local data into a GPT model offline without compromising functionality?"
"What’s a DeepSeek AI dongle—and does it really simplify filtering questions?"
Jetson Orin Nano Giveaway: Dave announces the lucky winner of the Orin Nano, a powerful AI-focused single-board computer. Congrats to Null L1i for their brilliant home automation idea featuring text-to-speech like HAL 9000!
Hard Drive Tales: From the days of slamming Seagate drives to get them spinning to exploring the quirks of vintage Quantum drives, Dave and Glenn share stories and advice on handling temperamental hardware—past and present.
PDP-11 Adventures: Dave talks about ongoing challenges with his PDP-11 systems, including diagnosing a problematic backplane, sourcing vintage parts like BA-23 cases, and the dream of rack-mounting his collection. Plus, a nostalgic look at how these iconic machines served as the backbone for small businesses in the '80s.
Viewer Questions & Insights: The duo answers a flurry of questions, including:
What were PDP-11s used for, and how did they evolve over time?
The quirks of retro hard drives, including head parking mechanisms and vintage SCSI drives.
Dave’s thoughts on certifications like MCSE and CISSP—are they worth it?
Behind-the-Scenes Fun: Hear Dave’s plans for a potential video on building a minimal PDP-11 system, the origins of Bill Gates’ early home automation system, and whether facial recreational software (or facial recognition!) could be Dave’s next project.
LED Projects and More: Curious about Dave’s mesmerizing LED flame lamp? He spills the details on how he hacked and programmed it, with a hint that a full build episode might be in the works.
Plus, a bonus discussion on the challenges of filming hardware troubleshooting and the unique quirks of running giveaways. Whether you're a retro tech enthusiast, a curious tinkerer, or just here for the banter, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to subscribe and share!
👉 Watch the full episode for all the laughs, tech wisdom, and retro computing goodness!
✨ SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: ✨ Don’t miss your chance to win a Jetson Aura Nano Super, personally signed by Jetson Huang himself! Imagine the possibilities—turn it into your next groundbreaking AI project, keep it as a prized collector’s item, or maybe even flip it on eBay someday. To enter, simply submit your most creative idea for using the Jetson Aura Nano Super. Be sure to start your suggestion with two asterisks ** to ensure it catches Dave’s eye. Remember, only domestic USA entries are eligible for shipping! No purchase necessary.
🔐 Cybersecurity Corner: Dave and Glen tackle the ever-important topic of password security, unraveling the complexities of hashing, salting, and defending against dictionary attacks. Whether you’re looking to beef up your personal passwords or understand the nuances of online versus offline attacks, their expert advice will keep your digital life secure.
😂 Behind the Scenes & Fun Banter: From hilarious mishaps with cameras to nostalgic stories about greasy pizza slices from Dave’s Microsoft days, the chemistry between Dave and Glen makes every episode both informative and entertaining. Plus, hear about Dave’s adventures with password managers and Glen’s thoughts on becoming a 51st state!
📢 Why You Should Listen:
Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge on AI projects, retro computing, and cybersecurity.
Engaging Stories: Enjoy captivating tales from Dave’s tech adventures and Glen’s witty commentary.
Community Interaction: Participate in the giveaway and see your ideas come to life in future episodes.
👉 Subscribe Now! Don’t miss out on the fun and the knowledge. Subscribe to Dave's Garage on your favorite podcast platform, hit the notification bell, and share the episode with friends who love tech as much as you do. Whether you’re tuning in from your garage or your commute, Dave and Glen have got you covered with the latest in technology and beyond.
🔗 Listen Now: [Insert Podcast Link] 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with behind-the-scenes content and more giveaways!
Join the conversation, enhance your tech skills, and maybe even win an awesome Jetson Aura Nano Super. Tune in today and rev up your tech knowledge with Dave's Garage!
#TechPodcast #Giveaway #RetroComputing #AI #CyberSecurity #DavesGarage #PodcastEpisode #JetsonAuraNano #PasswordSecurity #PDP11 #SubscribeNow
Other highlights include a fun back-and-forth on classic OS favorites like RSX-11, VAX/VMS, and Novell NetWare, plus a quick nod to differences between Unix and Windows kernels. Dave also shares progress on various PDP-11 hardware hurdles—like sourcing hard-to-find cables—and wraps up with a sneak peek at future projects. Whether you’re a retro-computing buff or just love behind-the-scenes geekery, this episode has you covered! Don’t forget to hit subscribe and stay tuned for more Shop Talk.
They answer viewer questions on topics ranging from the history of shutdown procedures in Unix to the differences between BSD and AT&T Unix, booting options on the PDP-11, and even the fascinating world of paper tape readers. Along the way, you'll hear stories of DEC hardware, data general minis, and the design of vintage systems.
Don't miss the banter, insights, and laughs as Dave and Glenn share their passion for retro tech, answer your burning questions, and discuss everything from overlay management to Boxing Day traditions. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Shop Talk!
Dave also shares insights into his daily routines, retro tech restoration, and modern coding challenges, including ESP32 projects and rebuilding software in C++. Plus, they discuss the allure of 3D printing, deciphering bad cables, and what makes Microsoft Bob the perfect prank target.
As always, it's a candid and entertaining mix of tech, humor, and nostalgia, with a call to action for viewers to ask questions, subscribe, and tune in for the next episode. Don't miss Dave's upcoming PDP-11 telnet tour, debuting this Saturday morning!
Tune in for a relaxed, tech-filled conversation with Dave and Glenn as they tackle your questions and share tales from their journeys in tech. As always, we love hearing your thoughts and questions – keep them coming!"
Some of the key moments include:
Superpowers and Memory Recall: Dave talks about his unique ability to vividly recall specific moments from TV shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy, which leads to a humorous discussion about what qualifies as a superpower.
Comfort and Sensory Sensitivities: Dave shares his preference for robes over pajamas, tying it into a conversation about how autistic people, like himself, often have heightened sensitivities to fabrics and textures. He expands on how these sensory experiences can vary between individuals on the spectrum.
Audio Books and AI Potential: Dave reveals why his books aren't available as audiobooks yet and delves into AI’s potential for creating audio content, although he admits the technology isn't quite there for long-form content like books.
Autism and Empathy: A significant portion of the episode is spent addressing questions around autism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Dave highlights how people with autism often don't lack empathy but struggle with understanding others' emotions, which can lead to misconceptions. This sparks an idea for a future episode where Dave plans to discuss the differences between autism and psychopathy in depth.
The Challenges of Negotiation: Dave shares personal stories about learning to negotiate, referencing books like Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. He talks about how negotiation doesn’t come naturally to him but expresses a desire to improve.
Life as an Autistic Software Developer: In response to a viewer’s comment, Dave reflects on how many software developers exhibit traits associated with autism, like hyperfocus, but emphasizes that great developers can be both neurotypical and autistic.
Tech Talk: A portion of the episode is dedicated to technical topics such as Starlink throughput, Windows backup solutions, and how Dave has already set up his Starlink in bypass mode to use a more powerful router. There's also a brief mention of his personal tech preferences and past automotive experiences, including a hair-raising moment with a gasoline spill.
Throughout the episode, Dave and Glenn keep the mood light with humor and candid personal anecdotes. The episode wraps up with Dave encouraging viewers to leave their questions in the comments for future episodes, keeping Shop Talk an interactive and community-driven series.
In this "Shop Talk" episode, Dave Plummer and co-host Glen Hodges dive into a casual and engaging discussion about various topics. Glen kicks off by explaining his frequent mishaps involving his forehead and cars, which leads to Dave sharing his experience with vintage car hazards, particularly a sharp hook on a '63 Imperial that used to catch him by surprise.
They then move on to questions from viewers, touching on subjects like running personal AI models like ChatGPT on high-end hardware versus more accessible machines like Raspberry Pi, discussing system specs, power consumption, and whether advanced setups are truly necessary. Dave mentions plans for a future episode to showcase running AI on cheaper, more pedestrian hardware.
Further along, Dave addresses inquiries about WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), clarifying the benefits of using WSL for certain tasks, even though some viewers question the extra setup. They also cover topics related to power monitoring using devices like Kilowatt, tricky software installs, and even whether AI models like ChatGPT might "gaslight" users.
A lighter moment ensues when a viewer asks why the letter "V" is used for pasting in Windows shortcuts, leading Dave to explain that it's a legacy from the Apple Lisa. The episode ends with a fun question about Dave’s choice of drink on the show (Bud Light for low-calorie convenience), some printer woes, and a brief discussion on vintage hardware repairs, highlighting Dave's passion for keeping retro computers alive.
As always, the episode is full of humor, practical tech advice, and vintage tech nostalgia, giving fans plenty to enjoy!
For a great longer-form look at many more Sphere effects, check out Attractions 360:
youtu.be/1Uzm2VpLqp0
NightDriverLED.com
For the song "Everywhere I Go is the Wrong Place to Be", pre-save it on Spotify for Jun 7th release:
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/slychance/places
The Matrix (c) 1999 Warners Bros.


